A random survey of the public use of weather forecasts in Dunedin

A random survey of the Dunedin public indicates high interest in weather forecasts, but mainly for personal, rather than work-related use. Television and radio are the main sources of weather information, where rain, temperature and sunshine are considered to be the most important elements. While there is some mistrust of forecast accuracy, the public is generally satisfied that they meet their requirements, except that there is a clearly expressed demand for more locally tailored information. Some terms that are frequently used in weather forecasts are poorly understood by the public. However, over half consider they can understand the surface weather map.